Introduction: The Importance of Citing Dictionary Definitions
While often overlooked, properly citing dictionary definitions is crucial for academic integrity and effective research. You might wonder, "It's just a definition, why cite it?" The truth is, even a dictionary definition represents the intellectual work of lexicographers and publishers. Citing these sources gives credit where it's due, allows your readers to trace your information, and demonstrates your commitment to thorough and ethical scholarship.
Whether you're defining a key term in an essay, clarifying nuanced language in a thesis, or supporting an argument with precise terminology, a dictionary can be an invaluable resource. However, like any other source, it needs to be acknowledged correctly. This guide will walk you through the specific citation formats for dictionaries in the three most common academic styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago.
General Principles for Citing Dictionaries
Before diving into style-specific rules, understand the core information typically required for dictionary citations:
- The word or entry you are defining: This is the specific term you looked up.
- The title of the dictionary: E.g., Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Oxford English Dictionary.
- The edition (if applicable): Especially for print dictionaries (e.g., 11th ed.).
- The publisher: The company that published the dictionary.
- The year of publication: When the dictionary was published or last updated.
- For online dictionaries:
The URL: The direct link to the definition. The access date: When you retrieved the information, as online content can change.
Keep these elements in mind as we explore each citation style.
Citing a Dictionary in MLA Style (9th Edition)
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities. When citing a dictionary, distinguish between print and online versions.
Online Dictionary Entry (MLA)
For an online dictionary, you'll generally need the word, the dictionary title, the publisher, the publication date (or copyright date), and the URL. MLA no longer requires "Accessed" before the date of access unless the source lacks a publication date.
Format: "Word." Title of Dictionary, Publisher, Year, URL.
Example: "Lexicography." Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, 2023, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lexicography.
In-text citation: When referring to a definition, you typically integrate it into your sentence rather than using a parenthetical citation for the dictionary entry itself, especially if the dictionary is well-known. If you must use a parenthetical, you can use the dictionary title or a shortened version.
Example: The term "ubiquitous" means "existing or being everywhere at the same time" (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary).
Print Dictionary Entry (MLA)
Citing a print dictionary is simpler, as you don't need a URL or access date.
Format: "Word." Title of Dictionary, Edition (if applicable), Publisher, Year, Page number.
Example: "Ephemeral." The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th ed., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018, p. 582.
In-text citation: Similar to online dictionaries, integrate the definition. If a parenthetical is needed, use the dictionary title or a shortened version and page number.
Example: The definition of "serendipity" implies a "happy accident" (American Heritage Dictionary, p. 1604).
Citing a Dictionary in APA Style (7th Edition)
APA (American Psychological Association) style is prevalent in social sciences and some natural sciences. APA prioritizes the author and date. Since dictionaries usually don't have individual authors for entries, you'll use the dictionary title or publisher.
Online Dictionary Entry (APA)
APA requires the word, dictionary title, publisher, publication date, and the URL.
Format: Word. (Year). In Title of dictionary. Publisher. Retrieved from URL
Example: Ubiquitous. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ubiquitous
Note: APA uses "n.d." (no date) if a specific publication or copyright date for the entry isn't available, which is common for online dictionaries that are continuously updated. If a specific year is given for the overall dictionary, use that.
In-text citation: When citing in-text, use the dictionary title and year (or n.d.).
Example: The term "cognitive dissonance" refers to the mental discomfort experienced by a person who simultaneously holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, n.d.).
Print Dictionary Entry (APA)
For print dictionaries, the format is straightforward.
Format: Word. (Year). In Title of dictionary (Edition, pp. Page numbers). Publisher.
Example: Paradigm. (2018). In The American Heritage dictionary of the English language (5th ed., p. 1290). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
In-text citation: (Dictionary Title, Year)
Example: A "paradigm" is a typical example or pattern of something (The American Heritage Dictionary, 2018).
Citing a Dictionary in Chicago Style (17th Edition)
Chicago style is widely used in history, arts, and some social sciences. It offers two main systems: Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date.
Chicago Style: Notes-Bibliography System
This system uses footnotes or endnotes for citations in the text and a bibliography at the end.
Footnote/Endnote (Chicago N-B)
Format:
- "Word," in Title of Dictionary, edition (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year), page number.
- "Word," Title of Online Dictionary, s.v. (sub verbo, Latin for "under the word") "Word," last modified Month Day, Year, URL.
Example (Print):
- "Synergy," in The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989), 17:511.
Note: For multi-volume dictionaries, include the volume number before the page.
Example (Online):
- "Heuristic," Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. "heuristic," last modified November 27, 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heuristic.
If no specific "last modified" date is available, use the copyright date or omit the date.
Bibliography (Chicago N-B)
Format: Print: Title of Dictionary. Edition. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year.
Online: Title of Online Dictionary. S.v. "Word." Last modified Month Day, Year. URL.
Example (Print): The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989.
Example (Online): Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. S.v. "heuristic." Last modified November 27, 2023. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heuristic. Note: For online dictionaries, if you've cited multiple words, you might just list the dictionary itself in the bibliography rather than each individual word, especially if it's a prominent, continuously updated online resource.
Simplified Bibliography Entry for General Online Dictionaries (Chicago N-B): Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heuristic. This approach is useful when you've consulted many entries from the same online dictionary.
Chicago Style: Author-Date System
This system uses parenthetical citations in the text and a reference list at the end. Since dictionaries typically don't have an author for individual entries, you'll use the dictionary title or publisher.
In-text Citation (Chicago A-D)
Format: (Dictionary Title Year)
Example (Print): The concept of "epistemology" deals with the theory of knowledge (American Heritage Dictionary 2018, 582).
Example (Online): The definition of "algorithm" refers to a step-by-step procedure (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary n.d.).
Reference List (Chicago A-D)
Format: Print: Title of Dictionary. Year. Edition. Place of Publication: Publisher.
Online: Title of Online Dictionary. S.v. "Word." Last modified Month Day, Year. URL.
Example (Print): The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. 2018. 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Example (Online): Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. S.v. "heuristic." Last modified November 27, 2023. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heuristic. Similar to the N-B system, if you've cited many words from the same online dictionary, you can list the dictionary generally.
Simplified Reference List Entry for General Online Dictionaries (Chicago A-D): Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. n.d. Merriam-Webster. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heuristic.
Common Challenges and Practical Tips
Citing dictionaries can sometimes present unique challenges. Here are some tips to navigate them:
No Author or Editor Listed
Most dictionary entries do not have an individual author. In such cases, the dictionary itself (or the publishing body) is considered the "author." As you've seen in the examples, you'll typically start the citation with the dictionary title or the specific word being defined.
No Publication Date for Online Entries
Many online dictionaries are continuously updated, making a single "publication date" for an entry difficult to ascertain.
- APA: Use "n.d." (no date) in place of the year.
- MLA: Omit the date if not available, but include the access date if the source lacks a publication date.
- Chicago: Look for a "last modified" or "copyright" date. If unavailable, use the access date or omit the date, stating "n.d." if you must.
Citing a Specific Definition from Multiple Entries
Some words have several definitions. If you're using a specific nuance, it's good practice to clarify which definition you're referring to, either by quoting it directly or by referencing its number if the dictionary provides numbered definitions. For example: "According to Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, 'matrix' (definition 2a) refers to..."
Specialized Dictionaries and Thesauruses
The principles outlined above apply to specialized dictionaries (e.g., medical dictionaries, legal dictionaries) and thesauruses as well. Simply substitute the specific title of the specialized resource. For thesauruses, you'd cite the entry for the word you looked up to find synonyms.
When to Cite and When Not to Cite
- Cite: Always cite a dictionary when you are directly quoting a definition, paraphrasing a definition, or basing a significant part of your argument on a dictionary's specific wording or nuance. This is especially true for less common words or specialized terminology.
- Do Not Cite (Usually): You generally don't need to cite a dictionary for words that are considered common knowledge or for simple, everyday terms whose meanings are universally understood. However, when in doubt, it's always safer to cite.
Consistency is Key
Regardless of the style you choose, ensure consistency throughout your paper. If you start with MLA, stick with MLA for all your citations. If you find yourself struggling with the nuances of citation styles or ensuring your entire paper adheres to specific academic standards, remember that resources like EssayMatrix can help. Our professional writing and editing services can ensure your citations are flawless and your paper is perfectly formatted.
Conclusion
Mastering dictionary citation is a fundamental skill for any student or professional researcher. It reinforces the credibility of your work, honors the intellectual labor of lexicographers, and provides a clear path for your readers to verify your sources. By following the guidelines for MLA, APA, and Chicago styles, you can confidently integrate dictionary definitions into your writing while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. Always double-check the latest editions of style guides, as rules can sometimes evolve.